Stout and porter are two iconic styles of dark beer known worldwide, yet many beer lovers struggle to differentiate between them. Today, we’ll explore the key differences—and similarities—between stout and porter to help you better understand these rich, complex beer styles.
Similarities and differences between Porter and Stout, according to PerfectDraft
There are multiple schools of thought when it comes to distinguishing stouts from porters. Some claim the difference lies in the brewing ingredients or techniques, while others believe it comes down to alcohol content. But before diving into what sets them apart, let’s take a look at what they have in common.
Both stouts and porters originated in 18th-century London, England. In fact, porter predates stout. At the time, brewers produced several variations of porter with different strengths and flavour profiles. The term ‘stout’—originally meaning “strong” or “brave”—was used to describe particularly robust porters, giving rise to the label ‘stout porter’ for stronger versions. Over time, the word ‘porter’ fell out of use in many contexts, and ‘stout’ became the dominant term.
Today, porters are often perceived as slightly less intense than stouts in terms of roasted flavour. Some brewers differentiate the two based on the use of ingredients: stouts are said to use roasted unmalted barley or black malt, while porters rely more on chocolate malt and other kilned grains. However, historical records show that both types of grain were used interchangeably in early brewing, meaning the ingredient distinction is not definitive.
In general perception, porter is considered smoother and less roasty than stout, but this difference remains subjective. Much of the distinction is based on tradition, branding, and the brewer’s interpretation rather than a rigid set of rules.
Is there really a difference ?
Ultimately, the difference between porter and stout is subtle—and in many cases, the line is blurred. Modern breweries often use the names interchangeably, depending on the branding and target flavour profile. As a result, it’s the name on the label that often defines whether the beer is marketed as a porter or a stout.
To truly understand dark beers, it’s best to explore their sub-styles. These include milk stouts, imperial stouts, Baltic porters, and robust porters, among others. These subcategories provide clearer distinctions in terms of flavour, body, and strength than the broader terms ‘stout’ and ‘porter’, which share a common origin and overlapping characteristics.
Explore our curated range of Stouts and our exclusive selection of Porters at PerfectDraft.
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